The .256 Winchester Magnum was a side-arms cartridge advanced by Winchester, and was handled by necking-down a .357 Magnum cartridge to .257 breadth. It was intended for shooting modest amusement and varmints. Presented in 1960, Winchester offered ammo and reloading parts into the early 1990s. The cartridge was first chambered in the Ruger Hawkeye single shot gun. The subsequently year Marlin loaded their Model 62 Levermatic rifle for the revamped Winchester cartridge.